The learning management systems differ from each other in many aspects, including hosting options. Unlike conventional or on-premise learning management systems, cloud-based learning management systems can be accessed without installing any software or hardware. Both students and corporate learners can consume course content by accessing the learning management systems (LMS) over the Internet.
Likewise, the trainers and administrators can create, assign, deliver, and manage the online courses and training programs using a web portal. The cloud-based LMS platforms store all information in an off-site data center provided and managed by the service provider. Several market research studies suggest a consistent increase in the number of businesses and educational institutions switching from on-premise LMS to cloud-based LMS.
According to a forecast report released by Meticulous Research,
“Based on the deployment type, cloud-based LMS solutions commanded the largest share of the overall learning management system market in 2019. The large share of this market is attributed to the fact that cloud-based solutions incur no maintenance and security control from user side, which makes user rely completely on cloud.”
Most organizations these days adopt cloud LMS to provide eLearning and online training without investing in hardware and software. Both trainers and learners can access the LMS remotely by using any device connected to the internet. Educational institutions and corporates also have the option to choose from a wide range of cloud-based learning management systems. That is why; it is time to have a look at some of the important advantages of cloud-based LMS.
Understanding 9 Notable Advantages of Cloud-Based LMS
No Infrastructural Cost
An organization has to invest in both software and hardware to use a conventional LMS efficiently. Also, it costs money to install the software, configure the hardware, and resolve technical issues. However, the organization can access a cloud-based LMS based on a pay-as-you-use pricing model without incurring the upfront infrastructural cost. The reduced infrastructural cost makes the cloud LMS affordable for organizations of different types and sizes.
Faster Deployment
This is one of the most important advantages of cloud-based LMS. Unlike conventional learning management systems, one can implement cloud-based LMS solutions easily and quickly. An administrator can set up the LMS in a short period of time. Hence, an organization can use cloud LMS to create, deliver, and manage online training programs from day one. The administrator can further boost the performance of the LMS system by changing its configuration.
Seamless Access over the Internet
The cloud-based learning management systems are just like popular websites and web portals. Both trainers and learners can access the LMS anytime and anywhere over the Internet. The trainers can use the LMS to impart knowledge to the learners by sharing content in multiple formats – ebooks, audiobooks, videos, simulations, and quizzes. Likewise, the learners can access the content over the Internet using either computers or mobile devices. Both trainers and learners can start using cloud LMS without putting in extra time and effort.
Easier to Customize and Scale
The cloud-based software solutions are easier to customize and scale than on-premise software solutions. The providers deliver cloud LMS as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). The administrators can customize the solution end-to-end using the configuration options. Likewise, they can scale up the LMS immediately by accessing computing resources on-demand and can also launch new training programs and assign the training programs to additional learners.
Get Storage Space on Demand
An organization has to invest in additional storage space as it launches new courses regularly and provides online training to more learners. The cloud-based LMS stores information and data in a remote data center provided by the vendor. The cloud LMS vendors allow customers to avail of additional storage space on demand. Hence, users can store additional content and eliminate the chances of data loss without investing in additional servers and storage devices.
Keep the LMS Up-to-Date
The users must install patches and update the software proactively to keep the on-premise LMS up-to-date. But the users are not required to maintain and update a cloud LMS. The LMS solution will be maintained and updated by the technical support team deployed by the vendor. Both trainers and learners can access the new and updated features of the LMS without any installation or updates. Also, most cloud LMS solution providers generally provide round-the-clock technical support for the users as part of the subscription plan.
Mobile Optimization
The conventional learning management systems were primarily designed to run on computers. But a large percentage of trainers and learners these days access LMS on their smartphones and tablets. The LMS vendors generally provide cloud-based learning management systems, perfectly optimized for mobile devices. Some LMS solutions even feature responsive design to look good on both computers and mobile devices. Many businesses leverage a cloud-based LMS to enable employees to learn at their own convenience using their own devices, anytime, anywhere.
Enhanced Data Security
According to ScientificAmerican.com,
“Data stored in the cloud is nearly always stored in an encrypted form that would need to be cracked before an intruder could read the information.”
In addition to being hosted in secure cloud environments, the cloud LMS solutions generally have the features to protect user data and privacy. Most learning management systems these days use sophisticated security and encryption tools to protect the data during both transmission and storage. Also, the authorization and authentication features provided by the cloud LMS helps organizations to ensure that the content is accessible only to authorized and genuine learners.
Automate Learning Management
The cloud-based LMS helps organizations to create, deliver, and manage a variety of training programs efficiently. Also, the administrator can monitor and evaluate the training programs by generating reports on the go. But the sophisticated cloud-based learning management systems generally have the features to automate important aspects of e-learning or online training programs. An organization can leverage these features to streamline digital learning programs without deploying dedicated staff.
Scalability and Flexibility
Cloud-based LMS platforms are designed to grow with your institution, offering unparalleled scalability and flexibility. Whether you’re a small school or a large university, these systems can accommodate an increasing number of users and courses without compromising performance. Real-time updates and the ability to add new functionalities on demand make it easier to adapt to changing educational needs. Furthermore, flexible pricing models based on usage help institutions manage costs effectively while still accessing the latest technology. This scalability ensures that as your learning community expands, your digital learning environment remains robust and responsive.
Enhanced Analytics and Reporting
A major advantage of cloud-based LMS systems is their ability to offer detailed analytics and reporting. These platforms can track student engagement, monitor learning progress, and generate comprehensive reports on performance metrics. With such insights, educators can identify trends, pinpoint areas for improvement, and tailor instructional strategies to better meet students’ needs. This data-driven approach allows for continuous improvement of educational content and overall learning outcomes. It also helps administrators make informed decisions about curriculum adjustments and resource allocation.
Integration with Digital Libraries and Unified Learning Platforms
Cloud-based LMS systems now offer seamless integration with digital libraries, and this synergy can be a game-changer for educational institutions. For instance, platforms like Mintbook’s Digital Library can be combined with your LMS to create a Unified Learning Platform. This integration allows students to access a vast repository of e-books, videos, and other resources directly through the LMS interface. It streamlines the learning process by providing structured pathways to content while also offering interactive assessments and personalized learning tracks. This collaborative ecosystem not only enhances student engagement but also boosts overall academic performance.
Conclusion
Each organization has the option to choose from many cloud-based learning management systems after analyzing the advantages of cloud-based LMS. But the cloud-based LMS solutions differ from each other in many aspects – features, usability, accessibility, digital libraries, and data security. That is why; an organization can leverage these cloud LMS advantages only by investing in the right cloud LMS solution.
